From the Inbox: A Dream to Dance

When I transferred to the Chicago office of my company in April of 2007 from St. Louis, my previous office lead suggested that I meet with my new office lead so we could acquaint ourselves. The one thing that stood out for me in the conversation (and I will NEVER forget it) is that he asked me, “What do you want to do?” When my response was geared toward professional goals, he redirected me saying “That’s good, but what do you want to do with your life?”

I’m writing because I believe I’ve found it.

Hip Hop ConnXion Crew

I am a member of Chicago’s Hip Hop ConnXion dance crew and we are staged to compete in the U.S. and World Hip Hop Championships in late July. I’ll include some information for your reference. We are very serious about competing! Last year Hip Hop ConnXion took second place to Kaba Modern (seen on MTV’s America ’s Best Dance Crew) in the U.S. Championships.

Performance References

1. 2007 U.S. Championships (2nd Place)
2. 2006 U.S Championships (2nd Place) World Championships (4th Place)

U.S. and World Hip Hop Championships (http://hiphopinternational.com) July 28th – August 3rd; Las Vegas , NV

Hip Hop International Hip Hop Dance Championships are competitive dance events that provide performers with opportunities to showcase the artistry and technique of Hip Hop dance and street dance, nationally and internationally, with the chance for television and media exposure and prestigious national and world championship titles. Crews showcase their ultimate works of art in a two (2) minute routine. Creativity, showmanship and artistic freedom are always rewarded provided integrity, good taste and safety are not compromised. The most captivating hip-hop routines contain a variety of dance styles, original moves, showmanship and engaging music.

Hip Hop ConnXion (my dance crew)

The Hip Hop ConnXion (HHC) is a not-for-profit hip hop dance team founded in March 1999 by Suave, professional choreographer and dancer who has appeared in various music videos and movies such as Save The Last Dance. The HHC is a professional dance troupe of all ages, sex and color each striving towards one common goal…to become part of the future of hip hop, spread a positive message and to be positive role models.

The mission statement of the Hip Hop ConnXion is:

“Our Future Is Here Today”

The survival of dance rests on the shoulders of our youth.
Teach them well and our future will be strong.
You can choose to start educating tomorrow,
or you can choose to start educating now.
We choose to start now!

The HHC performs all over the nation and is revered as one of the top hip hop groups in the country performing over 50 times a year. Hip Hop ConnXion is an elite team of dancers some of whom have performed in music videos with artists such as the Baja Men, P-Diddy and Ice Cube, on TV in shows like MTV’s Wade Robson Project, ABC’s Dance Fever and Fox TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”. The goal of the HHC is to create an outlet for young people of all backgrounds; showing them that they do not have to resort to drugs, crime, etc., but can influence the world in a positive way through dance.

“It’s not about who you beat; it’s about who you INSPIRE.” – Suave

Fundraising Effort

As you can see, the HHC is very dedicated to its mission to inspire the youth of our generation. The opportunity to compete at the U.S. and World Hip Hop Championships (considered the Olympics of Hip Hop Dance) provides us with an opportunity to inspire the next generation on a global scale, steering them towards dance as an outlet, as opposed to violence or drug use.

I was curious if it possible for the community to sponsor us in any way. We are $4000 into our fund raising effort with an estimated $6000 remaining and the deadline fast approaching since the competition is July 28th – August 3rd. Funds are to cover flight, hotel, and per diem for the competition. It would not have to be a full $6000 sponsorship; every little bit helps, as I’m sure you can imagine.

Potential Sponsorship Benefits

Do you know if anyone in the community would have any interest in sponsorship for this event? We can even consider benefits of sponsorship such as:

• Company Logos on our apparel (or wearing apparel of sponsoring company if that sponsor carries an appropriate line)
• Advertising on all flyers promoting Hip Hop ConnXion, our events, shows, workshops, and competitions
• Brand exposure to thousands of audience members in attendance at the event, as well as to crews internationally
• Verbal thanks to sponsors after our performances at the competition

If you have any other ideas or know anyone that would be interested in such a sponsorship opportunity please let me know. We are on the brink of realizing our dreams to inspire the youth of the nation; potentially the world. Thanks for taking the time to read my message, and let me know if you have any questions at all. If anyone you speak to decides they are interested in sponsorship, please pass my contact information to them.

You can also contribute using the ‘ChipIn’ widget below:

Thanks,
Earl Mah - Hip Hop ConnXion crew member
earlmah [at] gmail [dot] com